Toys and Games - Totally the 80's

Scratch and Sniff Stickers, the School Prize Kids Saved

One scratch, and the whole desk smelled like grape soda, strawberry candy, or a cartoon pizza party at 10 a.m. If you grew up in the age of reward charts…

Pop Culture Arcade Classics Toys and Games Video Games

Sega Genesis and the 16-Bit Leap Kids Wanted

You didn't need a spec sheet to know the Sega Genesis felt like a real step up. One look at the screen, one blast of that crunchy music, one quick…

Pop Culture Discontinued Treats Favorite Foods Food Saturday Morning Cartoons Toys and Games Trends

Fruit Stripe Gum and the Tattoo Wrapper Kids Loved

Some candies were good. Fruit Stripe Gum, the zebra gum with the striped packs, was a whole scene. You remember the pack first, don't you? The wild stripes, Yipes the…

Pop Culture Toys and Games Video Games

Nintendo Entertainment System: The Console Kids Begged For In The 80s

Some toys got circled in the catalog. The Nintendo Entertainment System got underlined, starred, and brought up at dinner three times a week. If you were a kid in the…

Pop Culture Action Figures Toys and Games

Transformers Toys and the Robot Every Kid Swore Was Best

Every kid had a favorite Transformer, and they defended that pick like it was family business. Maybe you were an Optimus Prime loyalist. Maybe you went full chaos goblin and…

Pop Culture Discontinued Treats Fads Favorite Foods Food Toys and Games Trends

Push Pop Candy and the Click Every Kid Remembered

You didn't eat a push pop candy the way you ate an ordinary lollipop. You clicked it up, took a few proud licks, snapped the cap back on, and carried…

Pop Culture Fads Toys and Games Trends

Why the Sears Wish Book Was the Catalog Kids Waited For

The mailbox used to carry actual suspense. Not bills, not coupons, not junk, but the Sears Wish Book, thick as a winter sweater and loaded with possibility. If you were…

Pop Culture Arcade Classics Toys and Games Video Games

Atari 2600: The Console That Took Over Living Rooms

Before downloads, save files, and giant launch trailers, one wood-paneled box made the family TV feel like pure possibility. The Atari 2600 didn't break into homes by talking to hobbyists…

Pop Culture Toys and Games

Why the Glo Worm Toy Belonged Beside Every Pillow

Some toys shouted for attention. Glo Worm whispered. If you grew up in the 80s, you can probably still picture that little glowing face waiting on the bed, tucked near…